What is the approximate cost of COPD to the U.S. health system?

a. $20 billion
b. $30 billion
c. $40 billion
d. $50 billion

ANS: D
In 2010, COPD caused 715,000 hospitalizations (which accounted for 1.9% of all hospitaliza-tions in the United States), and, in 2010, COPD resulted in a total health expenditure of $49.9 billion. In this regard, COPD is a problem that is a frequent challenge for the respiratory clinician.